INDIANAPOLIS — Meijer is teaming up with the Indianapolis Colts and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to provide help for an upcoming food distribution at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The company is donating 6,000 turkeys to help families in need. It is one of several events that will encompass more than $1 million and 50,000 turkeys of food relief for local food banks across the Midwest.
“Meijer cares about the communities we serve and we are pleased to stand beside the Indianapolis Colts to donate 6,000 turkeys to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana so they can help local families in need," Rob Benedum, south Indianapolis market director for Meijer, said. "We know the coronavirus pandemic has made an impact on the lives of those who live here, and we wanted to do our part to help.”
Approximately 1,000 turkeys will be distributed at the Gleaners' food distribution event on Monday, Feb. 22 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The turkeys, along with a box containing produce and dairy items, will be placed directly in the vehicles of the food bank's clients.
“Retail grocers were the first to lead the effort to provide nutritious perishable foods to those in need. Meijer continues this great tradition with the incredibly generous donation of 50,000 turkeys to Feeding America Food Banks," John Elliott, president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, said. "We’re thrilled to receive 6,000 of these turkeys in Indianapolis where we have seen a huge increase in need during the pandemic. We are grateful to Meijer for including us, and as always, appreciate the ongoing support of the Indianapolis Colts.”
Meijer, Colts and Gleaners volunteers will be on site to assist. The remaining turkeys will be delivered to the food bank the following week.
The food giveaway runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 at the Champions Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
“The Indianapolis Colts’ mission is to entertain, inspire and unite our fans by winning the right way, meaning that serving our community is just as important to us as what we do on the field," Kalen Jackson, vice chair/owner of the Indianapolis Colts, said. "That’s why we are so pleased to partner yet again with Meijer and Gleaners to provide meals to our friends, fans and neighbors in need, especially during these challenging times.”
